Customs and Border Protection agents shot and wounded two people in Portland, an incident that occurred a day after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis.
There, the Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said the shooting happened during a targeted vehicle stop carried out by Border Patrol agents. She said that after agents identified themselves, the driver “weaponized his vehicle and attempted to run over” the officers.
In a post on X, DHS accused the couple involved in the incident of having ties to the Venezuelan born gang Tren de Aragua.
“The two criminal illegal aliens who attacked Border Patrol in Portland are a gang member and his prostitute, not an innocent married couple,” the post said.
Yesterday, two suspected Tren de Aragua gang associates—let loose on American streets by Joe Biden—weaponized their vehicle against Border Patrol in Portland. The agent took immediate action to defend himself and others, shooting them.
The driver of the vehicle, Luis David Nico… pic.twitter.com/E7qHKKfp6b
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) January 9, 2026
According to DHS, the driver, identified as Luis David Nico Moncada, is an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela and a suspected member of Tren de Aragua. Authorities said he entered the United States in 2022 and has previous arrests for driving under the influence and unauthorized use of a vehicle.
The passenger, identified as Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, was also described as an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela with alleged ties to the gang. DHS said she entered the country illegally in 2023 and has been linked to a prostitution ring connected to Tren de Aragua, as well as a prior shooting in Portland.
As Telemundo has reported, claims made by authorities have not been immediately and independently verified, including whether the individuals belonged to a criminal organization.
Following the incidents, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson called on ICE to suspend all operations in the city until an investigation is completed.
“We know what the federal government says happened here,” Wilson said in a statement. “There was a time when we could take them at their word. That time is long past. That is why we are calling on ICE to hold all operations in Portland until a full and independent investigation can take place.”
Similarly, Portland Police Chief Bob Day said that local officers have assisted in securing scenes connected to the shooting, but emphasized that their role has been limited.
“This is a federal investigation being led by the FBI,” he said.
Federal investigators reported that the couple, who were hospitalized with gunshot wounds, will be taken into FBI custody once they are released.
According to The New York Times, the victims were discovered at an apartment complex where they lived. Residents said both were conscious and speaking with police and emergency responders while being loaded into ambulances.
The report noted that Zambrano-Contreras sustained a gunshot wound to the chest, while Moncada suffered two gunshot wounds.
Following similar incidents across the country involving federal immigration agents, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek called for a full and transparent investigation.
“Federal agents, acting under the direction of the Department of Homeland Security, are shattering trust,” she said Thursday. “They are eroding, day by day, what we hold dear.”
Originally published on Latin Times
